The unsightly vein protrusions you can see on your legs are called varicose veins. Even the shapeliest legs are often ruined by the appearance of these greenish or bluish bulges. Aside from hairs, the development of varicose veins is one of the leading leg cosmetic problems that many women all over the world face today. Although women are more affected by these hideous veins, men are not spared from getting this vein problem.

Varicose Veins Defined

Basically, varicose veins are swollen blood vessels that are located just beneath the surface of the skin. Such veins usually bulge because they are either damaged or are filled with too much blood. Vein problems develop due to poor quality of the vein walls or malfunction in the valves of the veins. Although you can have such problems in other parts of the body, varicose woes usually arise in the legs.

Studies show that almost half of the cases of varicose veins may be due to heredity. Experts have confirmed that people who have relatives or family members with varicose veins are susceptible to developing such conditions because problems in the walls of the veins and valves may be inherited.

Although men can also have varicose vein problems, you will find these bulging veins more prominent in women. One of the reasons behind the large number of women having varicose veins is that added weight during pregnancy can cause blood circulation problems in the legs, which may lead to damages in the blood vessels. Other factors that may contribute to the development of swollen veins include blood pressure troubles, having a job that requires you to stand or sit for prolonged periods, and wearing of very tight knee socks or stockings.

Warning Signs

The most obvious sign that you may be suffering from varicose veins is the appearance of swollen blood vessels located just under your skin. However, in some cases, individuals with this condition also experience swelling of ankles and feet, itching in areas surrounding the problematic vein, and aching and increasing of pressure in the legs. Sometimes, especially for those who have chronic vein problems, symptoms can also include skin dryness, appearance of open sores, and even the development of skin discoloration or dark spots.

Prevention Tips

With regard to varicose veins, an ounce of prevention is definitely a lot better than cure, especially because once these swollen veins appear, they are quite difficult to cover up and treat.

Since obesity is a major cause of varicose veins, you need to maintain your ideal weight to prevent any blood circulation problems on your legs. Furthermore, it would be wise to stay away from situations where you need to stand for long periods of time. However, if your work requires you to stand for prolonged periods, you need to wear compression stockings to help minimize the impact of standing for hours on your legs and avoid pooling of blood in the veins.

Although these measures are a great help, some people may still experience varicose veins especially if it runs in the family. If you are one of these people, you can prevent further flare up by elevating your legs when you are either sitting or lying down.

Treating Varicose Veins Naturally

If you have problematic and bulgy veins, it is imperative that you wear compression stockings. These socks may not completely heal the damaged veins, but it will surely aid in stopping the veins from being damaged any further.

At the end of the day, you need to raise your legs when you are lying down, make sure that they are above your chest. This will assist in better blood circulation and preventing any pooling of blood that may cause another development of varicose veins.

You can also apply specifically-formulated oils or creams on the affected areas in long upward motion. Anti-varicose-vein creams like Veinuderm can be helpful in attaining flawless skin on your legs. Visit www.Veinuderm.com for more information about this product.

Copyright (c) 2009 Dr. Jennifer Feeny

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot (a blockage) forms in a deep vein. Although these clots usually occur in the veins of the leg, they can also develop in other parts of the body. A DVT is considered a medical emergency and if you suspect that you or a loved one might have a DVT, please seek medical attention immediately. News correspondent David Bloom died in 2003 from a DVT at age 39. It is wise to familiarize yourself with the symptoms and risk factors because knowing this information may save your life.

Risk factors

A person who is inactive for an extended period of time is at increased risk of DVT. This can happen during a long airline flight, while wearing a cast, following surgery and even when in the hospital for another condition. Other risk factors include:

* Varicose veins

* Blood clotting disorders

* Family history of DVT or clotting disorders

* Heart disease

* Obesity

* Chronic leg swelling

* Dehydration

* Birth Control Pills containing estrogen

* Hormone replacement therapy

* Pregnancy/recent childbirth

* Smoking

* Age (over 40 years old)

* Trauma

* Recent surgery

The more risk factors a person has, the greater the risk of developing a DVT. But, anyone can develop a DVT, even people without any of these risk factors.

Symptoms

The most common warning signs are calf tenderness, swelling, warmth and/or redness of the leg. However, some people with a DVT have no symptoms or just a very mild discomfort in the leg.

A serious complication of DVT is a pulmonary embolism, which may cause death. This happens when a clot breaks loose from the leg and travels to the lung. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:

* Shortness of breath

* Chest pain

* Tightness in chest

* Coughing up blood

Another complication of a DVT is damage to the vein from the blood clot which can result in chronic swelling, pain and discoloration of that leg.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be challenging for a physician, especially when symptoms are vague. Leg swelling can be cause by congestive heart failure or venous insufficiency. Calf tenderness could be caused by tendonitis. If a DVT is suspected, a doctor will order tests that can detect a blood clot in the leg. The most accurate for diagnosis is the venogram. A venogram involves injecting dye into the vein and taking pictures to determine if there is a blockage. A less invasive option is a Duplex Ultrasound. Due to its high sensitivity and specificity, Duplex Ultrasound has replaced venography as the most widely used test in evaluation of DVT. Duplex Ultrasonography is safe in pregnancy and for those allergic to contract dyes used in venograms.

Treatment

There are a few options that your doctor may recommend in the treatment of DVT. Anticoagulants, like heparin or coumadin, may be prescribed to thin the blood to prevent accrual or formation of new clots. If you are unable to take anticoagulants, a filter may be placed in a large vein called the inferior vena cava to capture the clots. Compression stockings may be used to control swelling in the legs.

Prevention

If you have risk factors for a DVT, consider these tips for reducing the likelihood of developing a blood clot:

* Exercise you legs every 2 to 3 hours when on a long trip. Walk the aisles of a plane or train, and take regular breaks during a car trip.

* Drink plenty of fluids; avoid alcohol and caffeine.

* Wear Compression stockings.

* Take blood thinning medications, if prescribed by your doctor.

* If you are hospitalized, or having surgery, discuss preventative medication with your physician.

Each year, at least 100,000 deaths are attributed to deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms. About 1 in every 1000 adults develop a DVT in a given year. Deep vein throbosis is a common, serious medical condition that all adults should be aware of. Early symptom recognition and diagnosis improves outcomes and saves lives.